September 11th, 2001 – a day that should be engraved in the minds of every red blooded American. It has been 10 years since our country was attacked by terrorists. Nineteen fanatical Muslims, under the vision and direction of the leader of Al Qaeda – Osama Bin Laden – brazenly attacked the people who represent freedom and justice in the world.
Their plan was to hijack 4 jets and fly them into what they believed to be symbols of our nation. Three of the four hit their targets: American Airlines 11 and United Airlines 175 smash into the Twin Towers in NYC and American Airlines 77 crashes into the Pentagon in Washington D.C. The fourth, United Airlines 93 never made its target due to the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women onboard.
President Bush demonstrates true leadership by addressing the American people.
“These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat, but they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people have been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings. But they can not touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel but they can not dent the steel of American resolve.”
The heinous actions of these evil men and our President’s resolute words unified all Americans.
Ten years have passed. Much has happened to remove these threats, and yet they are still present. We must continue to be ever vigilant!
As is always the case, I believe that the pendulum has swung way too far in the wrong direction. Let us remember what Thomas Jefferson said, ”A society that will trade a little order for a little freedom will lose both, and deserve neither.”
While many actions were necessary in the short term, it is time to re-evaluate the measures we have in affect. For example, the TSA should be discontinued. It has become a bloated, federal government entity. It should be the responsibility of each airline company and each airport board to establish private security measures. This would be more efficient and more cost effective.
Another action to be re-evaluated is the deployment of our troops. War should always be the last resort. The men and women who proudly serve our country should never be put in harms way unless we are committed to victory. Victory created by fast, powerful, and overwhelming action. It should not be expected that we will police the world or maintain the peace.
Let us honor the lives that were lost on 09/11 and those that have been lost in protecting us since this tragic occurrence. Let us honor them by not living in fear but rather by holding our heads up and displaying the courage that has made America the greatest nation in the world. Let us honor them by continuing to demonstrate to the rest of the world that America does represent the greatest ideals of liberty and justice.
To quote the great President Ronald Reagan…”Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today’s world do not have.”
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